Jeremy Paxman diagnosed with Parkinsons disease – The Guardian

Jeremy Paxman has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease.

The 71-year-old broadcaster and host of BBC Twos University Challenge said he had been receiving excellent treatment and that his symptoms were currently mild.

In a statement to the PA Media news agency, Paxman said: I can confirm I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. I am receiving excellent treatment and my symptoms are currently mild.

I plan to continue broadcasting and writing for as long as theyll have me and have written about my diagnosis in more detail for the June issue of the marvellous Saga Magazine. I will not be making any further comment.

Born in Leeds, Paxman started his career in 1972 on the BBCs graduate trainee programme, working in local radio and reporting on the Troubles in Belfast.

Shortly after moving to London in 1977, he transferred from Tonight to the investigative flagship programme Panorama, before stints on the Six OClock News and BBC Ones Breakfast Time.

He became a presenter of Newsnight in 1989, a position he would hold until June 2014, during which time he interviewed high-profile figures from politics and culture.

Bowing out after 25 years in the job, Paxman presented a programme including an interview with then London mayor Boris Johnson, while they both rode a tandem bicycle.

Paxman has also presented University Challenge since 1994, making him the longest-serving quizmaster currently on UK television.

Shan Nicholas, the interim chief executive of Parkinsons UK, said: Parkinsons is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and Jeremy choosing to speak publicly about his diagnosis will do so much to raise awareness of this much misunderstood condition.

With more than 40 symptoms, Parkinsons is unpredictable and complex. We are glad that he has been receiving the right treatment to manage his symptoms.

Getting the right support in place is key to helping people to take control of their lives when they are newly diagnosed. We would encourage people who have been diagnosed with Parkinsons to speak to their GP or specialist to explore the best options for treatment and managing their Parkinsons.

Previously, Jeremy pledged to donate his brain to the Parkinsons UK Brain Bank which will, one day, help scientists uncover the discoveries that will lead to better treatments and a cure for Parkinsons.

With his diagnosis, Jeremy is now also a part of the Parkinsons community made up of 145,000 people in the UK, who are waiting for a breakthrough treatment, which we are getting closer to every day. We wish Jeremy all the best.

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Jeremy Paxman diagnosed with Parkinsons disease - The Guardian